Step inside the world of the muckrakers—the fearless investigative journalists who dug into the darkest corners of American life during the Progressive Era. In this episode, we explore how Jacob Riis exposed tenement misery with his camera, how Ida Tarbell dismantled the Standard Oil monopoly, how Lincoln Steffens uncovered a nationwide network of political corruption, how Upton Sinclair infiltrated Chicago’s stockyards, and how Ida B. Wells risked her life to document the truth about lynching. Told with a true-crime narrative style, this episode reveals the danger, determination, and impact behind each investigation—showing how their work changed laws, industries, and the nation itself.

In this episode of "Disorderly Conduct," Jesse, Mayhem, Bobi, and Fingers delve into the inspiring life of Robert Smalls, a true hero of humanity.

Born into slavery in Beaufort, South Carolina, Smalls' early experiences shaped his understanding of the world and the injustices of slavery. His maritime skills, acquired as a teenager, played a crucial role in his daring escape during the Civil War. Smalls commandeered a Confederate ship, the Planter, and delivered it to the Union Navy, freeing himself, his crew, and their families. This act of bravery made him a Union hero and highlighted the capabilities of enslaved men.

Post-war, Smalls continued to fight for civil rights, serving as a pilot for the Union Navy and later as a U.S. Congressman. His legacy of courage, leadership, and advocacy for equality remains a testament to his character and the enduring fight for freedom.

For November, we're kicking off a series we call Heroes of Humanity. In this episode, we talk about Irina Sendler, who smuggled 2,500 children out of the Warsaw Ghetto during the Nazi Occupation.